Washington -LRB- CNN -RRB- President Barack Obama on Thursday said he wants the people of France to know the United States `` stands with you today , stands with you tomorrow '' in the wake of this week 's terror attacks .

He made the remarks during an appearance in Knoxville , Tenn. to announce a new higher education initiative . Obama told the audience in Knoxville `` we stand for freedom , and hope , and dignity of all human beings , '' adding , `` that 's what Paris stands for . ''

`` That spirit will endure forever , '' he added , `` long after terrorism is banished from this world . ''

His comments follow a tumultuous few days for France , where two hostage situations and a shooting at a French satirical paper erupted in two days , resulting in numerous deaths .

Obama made a visit to the French Embassy on Thursday to offer his condolences following Wednesday 's attack by three gunment on journalists at Charlie Hebdo , which resulted in 12 deaths .

The Charlie Hebdo attack : What we know and do n't know

He signed a book of condolences for the victims of the attack shortly after returning from a trip to Arizona for a speech previewing his State of the Union address .

`` On behalf of all Americans , I extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to the people of France following the terrible terrorist attack in Paris , '' the President wrote .

`` As allies across the centuries , we stand united with our French brothers to ensure that justice is done and our way of life is defended . We go forward together knowing that terror is no match for freedom and ideals we stand for -- ideals that light the world . Vive la France ! ''

Obama also met with the French Ambassador , GÃ © rard Araud , who called the visit `` a moving and highly significant gesture '' in a tweet .

`` The French are grateful , '' the ambassador said .

Obama on Wednesday vowedÂ to `` hunt down '' the perpetrators of the `` cowardly , evil attacks , '' and the United States is supporting the French government in its investigation into the attack . On his flight back from Arizona , the President spoke with his national security team about the latest developments .

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President Barack Obama says America `` stands with '' France following the terrorist attacks this week

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He offered America 's `` deepest sympathy and solidarity '' to the country

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The U.S. government is supporting the French government in its investigation